System and method for performing a financial transaction in an entertainment center

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a distribution system for providing cash or other items of value to a user at the location of the gaming system and a method for using the distribution system. The disclosure relates to a distribution system for use with an entertainment station. The distribution system includes a remote control unit accessible from the entertainment station and operably coupled to a base processor. The remote control unit is adapted to receive user account information and a requested transaction type from a group consisting of deposit, transfer, and withdrawal. The remote control unit is also adapted to provide a signal to the base processor, and the base processor is adapted to receive the signal from the remote control unit and to process the requested transaction type based on the account information. The base processor is adapted to distribute cash or cash equivalent to a user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of prior U.S. Application No. 60 / 623,597, which was filed on Oct. 29, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present disclosure relates to entertainment systems such as gaming systems including casino games. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a distribution system for providing cash or other items of value to a user at the location of the gaming system. [0003] Entertainment centers and associated costs are on the rise. As Americans age, an increasing percentage of them participate in entertainment activities. Entertainment activities include casinos, cruises, virtual reality gaming centers, theme parks, and other engaging activities. Each of these activities require the payment of cash or equivalent consideration in order to engage in these activities. Unfortunately, the elderly, handicapped and families with small children may often find it difficult to engage in cash withdrawa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] By integrating a casino game machine, table game, video game machine virtual entertainment device or other entertainment station with the distribution system that includes these enhanced features, both national, state and local governments can exercise increased control of these devices or, in the alternative, an entertainment provider could exercise greater control over the use, distribution and negotiation of instruments that are distributed or otherwise offered with the distribution system. This enhanced management and control, when combined with easy and convenient access, provides all of the parties that may have an interest in the financial transaction (regulator, entertainment providers, the player, tour operators, spouses, or other interested parties) with the ability to more effectively manage the consumption of entertainment.

[0012] The integration of entertainment devices with financial account management also provides the advantage of potentially avoiding any withdrawals at all. For example, by using distribution system, a player could get access to credits needed to play the game but following a big win would be in the position of placing money into accounts rather than withdrawing them at all. Some linked accounts could be storing winnings, for example, which could then be used to credit shortcomings in different associated accounts.

Problems solved by technology

Entertainment centers and associated costs are on the rise.

Unfortunately, the elderly, handicapped and families with small children may often find it difficult to engage in cash withdrawal transactions as the traditional automatic teller machine (ATM) may be placed in an area that is not very accessible or difficult to reach.

The hassle of carrying coins can be annoying and lines at the cage can be inconvenient.

In sum, existing redemption methods require numerous steps and other burdens.

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